Cowboys’ Path to Super Bowl: Bridging Gap with Seattle
As Super Bowl week unfolds, the Dallas Cowboys remain spectators, reflecting on a long wait since their last championship appearance in the 1995 season. While other teams in their conference have competed in the NFC Championship game, the Cowboys have not made it back. This prolonged absence underscores a pressing need for Dallas to regain its former glory.
Cowboys’ Struggle in the Championship Race
Other teams, like the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles, have progressed more quickly. The Commanders reached the NFC title game last season, and the Eagles won two Super Bowls in the last decade. Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ last championship remains a distant memory, casting a shadow over the franchise.
As Dallas fans watch, former Cowboy DeMarcus Lawrence competes for a title with the Seattle Seahawks. Notably, Lawrence previously stated he felt unlikely to win a championship while in Dallas. This context elevates questions about how far the Cowboys are from championship contention.
Comparing Cowboys and Seahawks
The Cowboys and Seahawks present an intriguing comparison in both offense and defense. Understanding their capabilities helps identify how Dallas can bridge the gap to Seattle’s success.
Offensive Breakdown
- Quarterback Play: Dak Prescott of the Cowboys boasts an impressive resumé, including four Pro Bowl selections. He demonstrates elite pre-snap processing and resilient leadership. In contrast, Sam Darnold, now with the Seahawks, has rejuvenated his career and earned consecutive Pro Bowl nods.
- Pass Catchers: The Cowboys arguably have a superior receiving group. While Seattle’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba shows promise, Dallas’s CeeDee Lamb, along with George Pickens and Jake Ferguson, elevate their passing game considerably.
- Running Game: Seattle enjoys a dynamic duo in Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet. Their contrasting styles create a balanced attack. However, Dallas needs to bolster its running back depth, as their options have underperformed.
- Offensive Line: The Cowboys feature strong interior run blockers, but concerns arise regarding the tackles protecting Prescott. Conversely, Seattle’s offensive line shows promise at tackle, lacking depth on the inside.
Defensive Assessment
- Defensive Strength: The Seahawks’ defense outperforms Dallas’s significantly. Despite some comparable talent in the defensive line, Seattle excels at edge pressure.
- Linebacker Performance: Dallas struggled with underperforming veteran linebackers last season, while Seattle’s Ernest Jones has become an All-Pro anchor.
- Secondary Comparisons: The Cowboys have struggled in secondary performance. Seattle possesses top-tier talent in Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen, while Dallas’s cornerback group struggles with consistency.
Future Prospects for the Cowboys
Even if the Cowboys trail significantly behind Seattle, hope exists. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker aims to enhance the secondary, potentially adding key talents through upcoming drafts. Players like cornerback Delane Mansoor and safety Caleb Downs could radically transform the defense.
Dallas also boasts a formidable kicking game, led by Brandon Aubrey. To close the gap with Seattle, the defense must improve to rank among the NFL’s best. With the right additions, the Cowboys could become serious contenders once again.
